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Clear Adobe recent file history

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script removes the list of recently opened files in Adobe software.

Adobe programs store a list of recently used files in the Windows registry 1 2. Each entry is labeled with a timestamp and includes details about the file opened at that specific time 1. This information can reveal a user's file activity patterns 1, potentially compromising privacy.

By deleting these entries, the script:

  1. Enhances privacy by eliminating traces of your recent file activity in Adobe programs.
  2. May slightly improve system performance by reducing registry size.

The script deletes the entire registry key HKCU\Software\Adobe\MediaBrowser\MRU, which includes subkeys such as:

  • HKCU\Software\Adobe\MediaBrowser\MRU\illustrator\FileList\* 1
  • HKCU\Software\Adobe\MediaBrowser\MRU\Photoshop\FileList\* 1
  • HKCU\Software\Adobe\MediaBrowser\MRU\indesign\FileList\* 2
Caution

This action will reset your "Recent Files" list in Adobe programs. You may need to manually reopen frequently used files after running this script.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Safe for General Use

This script is recommended for all users. It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Some changes may be permanent

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Clear recent activity category. This category includes scripts that erase traces of recent user activities on Windows. These scripts enhance privacy by removing records of accessed files, used applications, and changed system settings. Clearing recent activity is crucial for protecting your privacy. Your computer keeps... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Clear Adobe recent file history.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Reversible

This script is reversible, you can restore your changes to the initial/default state. The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

If something goes wrong, use the Revert script provided above.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Remove the registry key "HKCU\Software\Adobe\MediaBrowser\MRU" 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKCU\Software\Adobe\MediaBrowser\MRU'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; Write-Host "^""Removing registry key at `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $registryPath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry key `"^""$registryPath`"^"" does not exist."^""; exit 0; }; try { Remove-Item -LiteralPath $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully removed the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

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